Stay in the loop

The best bao in Toronto is characterized more than anything else by some of the fluffiest, softest, lighter-than-air steamed buns in the entire city, but fillings like schnitzel, tofu, pulled pork, bulgogi and even Nutella give these tiny sandwiches big flavour.

Here is the best bao in Toronto.

1

Mean Bao (Leslieville)

Locations throughout the city provide Torontonians with fast casual bao that embraces the traditional pork belly as well as incorporating twists on fillings like jerk chicken, pulled pork and a “Sloppy Jones” of minced pork.

2

Banh Mi Boys

Though they may be boys of epic Banh mi in name they also serve amazing spicy pork belly, panko tofu and “club” bao (with pork belly and fried chicken) at various Toronto locations.

3

Momofuku Toronto

This place might be famous for its ramen, but a visit here almost isn't complete without trying their bao stuffed with two thick, juicy, fall-apart tender slices of pork. There’s also a shiitake option.

4

Green Grotto

Braised pork, shrimp cake, breaded veggie square and Japanese beef bao are all available at this chain with a ton of locations in the GTA and a highly extensive menu. All bao are also stuffed with frilly fresh lettuce and drizzled with tobiko mayo. Mix and match an order of two.

5

Lee Chen Asian Bistro (King)

All kinds of Asian dishes can be found at this restaurant with locations near King and University and Bloor and Yonge, including traditional pork belly as well as pulled pork bao.

6

Kanpai

The O.G. Bao at this creatively modern Cabbagetown restaurant is true to its name with slow-cooked five spice pork, shoyu, Taiwanese relish, pickled cabbage and crushed peanuts. They also have chicken schnitzel, sweet potato, and spicy Nutella with pop rock condensed milk versions.

7

Pinkerton's Snack Bar

An order of two steamed bao at this Asian fusion bar in Leslieville might come stuffed with fillings like galbi sirloin, pickled veggies and spicy mayo.

8

Mii Sandwich Co.

You have your choice of getting lemongrass chicken, five spice tofu, grilled coconut chicken, bulgogi and more in a taco shell or bao at this Yorkdale food court sandwich stand.